gift

This pretty beaded bracelet is the creation of Sang Ayu Sardiwati of Bhakti Senang Hati, a foundation in Bali that assists the physically disabled to attain physical and economic independence and build self-esteem. "Although we live in very limited conditions, my childhood was very happy", says artisan Sang Ayu. "I used to work carrying stones for a dam construction when I was in Junior High School so I can pay the school fee myself. Unfortunately the dam suddenly collapse and huge stones broke my leg. Now I have to use a prosthesis everywhere. I was so depressed, very not confident after the accident, I usually hide and shy whenever people visiting our home. But finally my spirit is back after I saw my parents were crying because my depressed condition. After pray to God, I feel more patient and strong. I even graduated from a university, and I start making handicrafts. After I joined the Foundation, I met my husband and now we have 3 boys." The stretch bracelet is crafted from blue ceramic beads alternating with albesia wood and coconut shell beads.

In warm shades of brown, black, and cream, the "Elikplim" bracelet is designed to accessorize with a touch of eco-consciousness. Meaning "He's with me" in the Ewe language, the stretch bracelet from Rita Addo Zakour is crafted by hand with sustainable sese wood and recycled plastic beads.

Warm reddish-brown agate beads are like droplets of chocolate in this pretty stretch bracelet from Sang Ayu, a member of Bhakti Senang Hati. This non-profit foundation in Bali assists the physically disabled in developing self-esteem and physical and economic independence. The artisan strings the enhanced agate gems on elastic cord for a classic bracelet design.

How Incan royalty adorned themselves for ceremonies forms the basis for Andean artisan Dina's design of this beaded bracelet pair. She has included handmade brown ceramic beads in each of the two bracelets which compose the set as well as smooth glass beads in a lilac color. Each stretch bracelet is unique, however, as one is adorned with amethyst and the other features ceramic beads hand-painted with lines and circles.

Artisan Sumit Dhawan gathers the powers that give life to this precious world in this set of three beaded bracelets, made in the stunning Indian region. Each bracelet surrounds its colors with sandal wood and stainless steel accents, whose discreet hues make the set's jewels shine with radiant beauty. The bracelets boast each a unique shade, with carnelian symbolizing fire, aventurine representing earth and lapis lazuli embodying water.

With beautiful consistency of pattern and calming shades of brown and beige, Catherine Offei Kwapong strings together this subtly stunning beaded bracelet. A Ghanaian artisan, Kwapong uses a base of nylon twine and then decorates it with beads of sese wood and terracotta. Kwapong names this piece Obaa, meaning "Woman" in the Akan language.